The Impact of Food Nutrition Labels on Consumer Behavior: A Cross-national Survey and Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

This study explores the impact of food nutrition labels on consumer behavior through a cross-national survey and quantitative analysis. Globally, food nutrition labels have become an essential reference for consumers when choosing food products, and their significance is increasingly evident. Firstly, we found that the accuracy of food nutrition labels significantly influences consumer behavior. Accurate label information helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions, choosing healthier and more nutritious foods. However, inaccurate or misleading label information can lead to consumer misunderstanding, potentially triggering unhealthy eating habits or excessive intake of certain nutrients. Secondly, the readability and comprehensibility of food nutrition labels are also crucial factors affecting consumer behavior. Labels that are easy to read and understand provide more authentic and accurate product nutrition information, helping consumers quickly grasp the main ingredients and nutritional value of foods. Therefore, when designing food labels, manufacturers should focus on improving information readability and comprehensibility to facilitate consumer access to the required information. Furthermore, our research indicates that health claims and nutrition facts tables on food nutrition labels positively guide consumers' health awareness. An increasing number of consumers are beginning to pay attention to the nutritional content and health value of foods, preferring those labeled with health claims or nutrition facts tables. These labels not only provide scientific dietary advice to consumers but also help them control calorie intake and maintain healthy eating habits. In the cross-national survey, we also observed variations in consumer attention to food nutrition labels across different countries and regions. In developed countries, consumers tend to place a higher emphasis on food labels, whereas in developing countries, due to a lack of nutritional knowledge, consumer attention to food labels is relatively low. Therefore, manufacturers and governments should tailor strategies to increase consumer awareness and utilization of food nutrition labels based on the characteristics of consumers in different regions. Finally, quantitative analysis further confirms the impact of food nutrition labels on consumer purchasing decisions. Information on labels, such as calorie content, fat, fiber, sugar, etc., can help consumers make more scientific and reasonable choices for their food products. Meanwhile, health slogans and related certification marks on labels can increase consumer recognition of the product's health value, thereby enhancing their willingness to purchase. In summary, food nutrition labels have a profound impact on consumer behavior. To ensure that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions, manufacturers and governments should strive to improve the accuracy, readability, and comprehensibility of food nutrition labels, and strengthen the popularization and education of related knowledge.